Volunteers needed for September stewardship at Michigan State Parks

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources recently announced the September schedule of volunteer stewardship workdays at state parks and recreation areas throughout Michigan's lower peninsula.

Volunteers are needed to cut invasive shrubs or collect seeds from native prairie plants to restore high-quality natural areas. These activities are a great way to enjoy time outdoors in the beautiful late-summer weather while helping to restore unique woodlands, prairies and wetlands.

Volunteers of all ages, including youth and Scout groups, service clubs and other organizations, are invited to participate.

Workday dates, locations (counties) and times are:

• Saturday, Sept. 6: Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland), 9 a.m.-noon 
• Saturday, Sept. 6: P.J. Hoffmaster State Park (Muskegon), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Sunday, Sept. 7: Brighton Recreation Area (Livingston), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Sunday, Sept. 7: Muskegon State Park (Muskegon), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 13: Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 13: Saugatuck Dunes State Park (Allegan), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Sunday, Sept. 14: Waterloo Recreation Area (Jackson), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Sunday, Sept. 14: Ionia State Recreation Area (Ionia), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 20: Belle Isle Park (Wayne), 9 a.m.-noon
• Saturday, Sept. 20: Highland Recreation Area (Oakland), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Sunday, Sept. 21: Pinckney Recreation Area (Washtenaw), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Sunday, Sept. 21: Fort Custer Recreation Area (Kalamazoo), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 27: Sterling State Park (Monroe), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 27: Yankee Springs Recreation Area (Barry), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Sunday, Sept. 28: Algonac State Park (St. Clair), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Sunday, Sept. 28: Warren Dunes State Park (Berrien), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Volunteers should bring work gloves, drinking water and appropriate clothing for outdoor work, including long pants and sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Long-sleeved shirts are recommended when pulling spotted knapweed.

All volunteers are asked to register using the form available on the DNR website or via email. Any questions should be directed to Laurel Malvitz-Draper at 517-719-2285 or malvitzl@michigan.gov.

For workday details, maps and directions, visit the DNR website at www.michigan.gov/dnrvolunteers and click the link Calendar of Volunteer Stewardship Workdays.